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Academic Advising

Introduction

This faculty advising guide is an attempt to aid academic advisors across the campus. Although this guide seeks to provide resources to you in regards to the advising process, it is not meant to be a substitute for other documents available (such as the General Catalog, Faculty Handbook, etc.). It is the intent of this guide to provide general advising suggestions to assist you in your interactions with your student advisees.

Academic Advising at Simpson

Advising at Simpson College provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to work with students in order to provide them the information and guidance they need to be an active participant in their studies. The role of advising is not meant to make the decisions for the students but to provide them the resources and tools to be informed of the policies, procedures, curriculum, and other important aspects during their time at the college. In this manner, students assume the responsibility for their educational path. However, advising provides the means to guide students through their journey and be able to develop their educational goals, identify career goals, values, decision-making skills, and learn more about the academic areas and fields of study across the campus.

The advising relationship between faculty and students begins immediately as students enroll in their first-semester courses before their arrival at Simpson College. As part of this process, the faculty advisors who work with students during the summer orientation activities and beyond have the opportunity to become familiar with the students and learn more about their interest areas. The process provides the opportunity to empower students to make their own decisions regarding the path they choose. It is the role of the advisor to assist the student in the exploration of options, but ultimately, the student must bear the responsibility for their decisions.

By engaging with students early, faculty advisors can encourage students to become active participants in their college life and realize the importance of being involved with various aspects of the campus. This includes learning more about the academic departments, organizations, and support areas which are available to each student. Although students need to be responsible for their choices, advising is a collective effort between the student and the advisor. It is this relationship which is part of student’s success at the college.

For more information, please visit these websites provided by Faculty Development:

Why Simpson?

Our athletic teams compete in the Iowa Conference, which is part of the NCAA’s Division III. The new Steven Johnson Fitness Center offers athletes and all Simpson students a modern, state-of-the-art facility in which to work out and train.